Senators rest ailing Jason Spezza

LOS ANGELES -- Ottawa captain Jason Spezza is sitting out the Senators' game at Los Angeles on Wednesday night to rest a groin injury.

Spezza was scratched by coach Paul MacLean after the morning skate at Staples Center. Ottawa is making the third stop on a season-opening six-game road trip, with back-to-back games in San Jose and Anaheim this weekend.

The seven-time 20-goal scorer missed most of last season with a back injury, and the Senators are being careful with his long-term health. Spezza was named the eighth captain in franchise history last month, replacing Daniel Alfredsson.